BUSINESS COMMUNITY BUILDS SOLIDARITY

CORPORATIONS across Queensland are banding together to aid the massive flood clean-up operations which may end up costing the economy $13 billion through lost productivity and damaged infrastructure.

Queensland’s largest company Suncorp, who warned that the floods could cost up to $150 million, has contributed $100,000 to the flood appeal, while the Brisbane Broncos have chipped in $25,000.

With one newspaper report suggesting work has stopped on at least $5bn worth of commercial projects, Brisbane’s business community and corporations from around the nation are building solidarity.

The Gold Coast’s Magic Million horse yearling sales yesterday pledged to donate $250,000 from Saturday’s stallion auction fees, matching the donation from the Bank of Queensland to the aid.

Brisbane insurance assessment company Stream Group has donated $10,000. Assessors have been flown into Queensland from New Zealand and CEO Don McKenzie conceded that resources will be strained.

“Many of our staff have been affected although our offices are okay. Stream Group manages building related insurance claims so this is very close to home and we are ready to help our clients,” he says.

“Many people would not have been able to take out flood cover so there will be many facing significant losses not covered by insurance. Please give where you can as most people will be significantly worse off.”

Brisbane mining company Xstrata was one of the first to come to the aid of regional Queensland, donating $1 million to the cause just days before Toowoomba and then Brisbane was hit with flooding.

On a national scale, News Limited and the AFL have tipped in $500,000 each, while the Commonwealth Bank, David Jones, Qantas and Holden have also donated.

The New South Wales and Victorian Governments have also each pledged $1 million. Popular national music festival The Big Day has donated $20,000.

The Baskin-Robbins Main Beach store is taking part in the Mates in Need Street Party on Tedder Ave on Friday (January 14) to raise money for Queensland flood victims.Titans player Scott Prince will be scooping ice creams from 6pm with $1 from every scoop sold donated to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. A raffle for a signed Brisbane Lions jersey will help raise additional funds, and Baskin-Robbins Australia is also contributing $5,000 to the appeal.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the floods. We urge all Gold Coast residents to come along and show your support by enjoying an ice cream for a worthy cause," says Baskin-Robbins Main Beach store owner Joann Rodgers.